When uploading fit file in iOS, Connect thinks I want to create a ride instead of recording the completed ride.

3990829 said:

I don’t have handy access to a desktop computer to upload the file via the web browser.

No browser on your phone either?

Activity import is at https://connect.garmin.com/modern/import-data 

I do, however all files appear grey and I cannot select them to upload to the website.

Are you signed into your account? You can also try with Chrome instead of Safari

Otherwise, files greyed out for an upload through a browser may mean they are in a folder not safe for uploading, or there may be another problem with the location or with the files. Some tips are for example here, but you can google up more, if it does not help: Why are files greyed out on Mac, and how to fix it (macpaw.com)